8 Social Media Keys for 2010

One of my New Year's resolutions is to get more organized. This week, I've been going through some old notes from conferences I attended this year. Pulled out a great one-sheeter on keys to social media...thought you would enjoy.

1. Observation & Research
   Pay attention especially to conversations between prospects and your customers.  This is key market research.  You must understand what information your customers/prospects need to hear (listen). Above all, social media is a research tool for unfiltered information. (here are some free social media marketing tools you can use to help)
2. Relevant Content
   The most important part of social media and growing your business is what others say about you. Create content that sparks others to talk about you. Ultimately, this helps links, subscribers, search engine rankings and ultimately, sales.Social media starts with a content strategy.
3. Content Marketing
   Maybe the most powerful online promotion around. Social media spreads that content.  It's a powerful distribution tool, as long as the content is relevant, valuable and compelling. NOTE: Build the relationships with your network first.  Share great content from others.  Then, once you share, they will be likely to return the favor consistently.
4. Do People Want to Talk with You?
   No, most people do not want to talk with you, but a few do.  The others watch.  Those that watch are heavily influenced by the conversation. How you handle these conversations tells everything about your company.
5. Authentic Content
   Social media doesn't work without copywriting that is true to your company's message. Find a writing team that understands first your customers, then your brand.
6. Be Human
   Make social media personal - approach it as people, not a company. Customers don't want to talk to you as a company, but they may want to talk to your thought leaders and content experts.
7. Don't Always Ask for Something
   Most of your content should be given freely without asking for something in return.  This is the essence of social media. (more here on gated versus ungated content)
8. Earn It
   Results will happen if you work the process. A company cannot come in and expect results immediately.  It happens after months and years of giving to your customers and prospects.

What is your social media strategy for 2010?